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This report provides a conclusion and a set of policy recommendations for Niger's development, outlining a path to transition from extreme poverty and political instability toward inclusive growth by leveraging its youthful population and natural resources.

This introductory report provides an overview of Niger's geographic, political, and socio-economic landscape, detailing its transition from a democratic state to a military-led government following a coup in July 2023. It highlights the country's reliance on natural resources, its vulnerability to climate change, and its recent strategic shift away from Western security partnerships toward new regional alliances and partners such as Russia and China.

This research paper provides an introductory overview of Burkina Faso, detailing its political instability, the severe impact of terrorism and jihadi violence, its shifting international alliances, and its economic challenges as a low-income, landlocked nation.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the scale, impact, and future projections of remittance flows to Africa. It examines how these funds support households and macroeconomic stability, while also warning of potential 'remittance traps' and 'Dutch disease' that can hinder long-term economic growth and government accountability.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues that the election of Romuald Wadagni as president of Benin on 12 April 2026 provides a strategic opportunity to reset diplomatic relations with Niger and reduce regional tensions. The authors suggest that the African Union (AU), specifically through the AU Mission for Mali and the Sahel, is best positioned to facilitate this dialogue to address security and economic liabilities resulting from the current impasse.

This research paper conclusion argues that African nations must prioritize domestic food security, smallholder farming, and sustainable practices over international exports to drive economic growth and reduce poverty. It emphasizes the role of AgTech, irrigation, and political leadership in overcoming systemic barriers such as credit scarcity and climate change risks.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines gender discrimination within the family sphere in Africa, focusing on child marriage, the unequal distribution of unpaid care and domestic work, and disparities in divorce and inheritance rights.

This report analyzes the projected impacts of a specific 'Agriculture scenario' for Africa by 2043, comparing it against a 'Current Path' forecast. The scenario envisions a significant increase in agricultural production, reduced food import dependence, and substantial poverty reduction, though it notes that these gains depend on technological adoption and climate factors.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines gender exclusion in African education, comparing enrollment ratios and attainment levels across different regions and educational tiers. It highlights a persistent gap between male and female education in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Central Africa, and notes that without aggressive interventions, the region will struggle to close the gap with global averages.

This research paper examines the implementation challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), focusing on the economic disparities between member states and the resulting risks for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes trends in stability and armed conflict in Africa, highlighting the role of state-based violence, organized crime, and rapid urbanization in driving fatality rates.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the state of the manufacturing sector across Africa, highlighting a trend of premature deindustrialization and the varying levels of industrialization across different income groups. It examines the role of Chinese investment in the continent's industrial landscape and the challenges African nations face in moving from raw material exports to high-value manufacturing.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies details the progress and structure of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations, including the three phases of legal protocols, tariff liberalisation targets, and the implementation of supporting systems like the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes extreme poverty trends in Africa using a US$2.15 threshold. It highlights a divergence where the percentage of people in extreme poverty is declining, but the absolute number continues to rise due to rapid population growth, high inequality, and modest economic growth.

The March 2026 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the outcomes of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, the composition and normative challenges of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), and the adoption of a new memorandum of understanding to coordinate the Africa Standby Force (ASF).

This briefing note by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) can collaborate to reform global governance, specifically the UN Security Council (UNSC), amidst a period of systemic rupture and geopolitical fragmentation.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the state of World Trade Organization (WTO) agriculture negotiations ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). It outlines persistent disagreements over domestic support, public stockholding, and market access, while identifying three specific areas where progress could be made for least developed countries (LDCs): reducing cotton subsidies, improving market access for cotton products, and securing exemptions from export restrictions.

The February 2026 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the declining influence of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the gap between AU normative frameworks and electoral realities, the limited impact of informal consultations on post-coup transitions, and the critical economic necessity of improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure across Africa.

This landscape study by FSD Africa provides a comprehensive assessment of the asset management industry and pension systems across 54 African countries. It identifies a general trend of conservative investment strategies, uneven regulatory oversight, and significant gaps in coverage for informal workers and women. The report recommends a shift toward risk-based supervision, the expansion of micro-pensions, and the development of national ESG taxonomies to mobilize domestic capital for sustainable economic growth.

This research paper examines the drivers and consequences of youth emigration from West Africa, focusing on the 'japa' phenomenon in Nigeria. It identifies high unemployment, political exclusion, and insecurity as primary drivers of the exodus of people aged 15 to 35, which results in a significant brain drain in healthcare, technology, and education sectors.